2023 and 2025 Athena Swan Culture Surveys

The OVPEDI conducts an All Staff Athena Swan Culture Survey every two years to determine progress and areas for improvement. These surveys focus on specific themes in an effort to understand the overall culture of the environment. The survey also addresses any changes that may have been implemented and monitors staff's feedback on these changes.

One of the core benefits of Athena Swan is that all actions are evidence-based and grounded in quantitative and qualitative analysis. This ensures that we are responding to the felt needs of staff on the ground.  The results of the surveys formed the foundation of the actions that will be included in our 2025-30 Athena Swan action plan which will be launched in Q4 2025.

Another advantage is that Athena Swan is based on a five-year cycle which can enable the Institutional Self Assessment Team (ISAT) to drive programs and initiatives that may have been in the planning phase for some time within a timely manner. Several interventions have been introduced in response to issues raised through our 2023 and 2025 Athena Swan surveys. The Institutional Self Assessment Team and the OVPEDI have been working with colleagues across the University in units, including Human Resources, the office of the Deputy President and Registrar and others, to implement large and small-scale actions, interventions and programmes. Some examples are included below.